There has been a new development in the ongoing Barbara-gate controversy. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging that key government figures—including Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner Barbara Malimali, and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku—should be held to the same standards as suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde.
Pryde’s suspension last April, triggered by alleged misconduct following a controversial meeting with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, has sparked a vigorous discussion about transparency and fairness within Fiji’s leadership. Pryde was reported to have been seen with Sayed-Khaiyum during this time.
As Mr. Seruiratu calls for justice and accountability, attention continues to focus on the high-ranking officials within the justice system.
Last Friday, a photo of Mr. Turaga, Ms. Malimali, and Mr. Rabuku was shared on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page. The trio was photographed at an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel welcoming a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice. However, the image was removed by the time this edition went to print.
In terms of background, Mr. Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC, while Mr. Rabuku had previously reviewed Ms. Malimali’s FICAC case in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Mr. Rabuku had referred the case to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department on September 24, 2024, citing that it was ‘incomplete’ and needed further investigation.
Christopher Pryde, the suspended DPP, was removed from his position last April due to alleged ‘misbehaviour’. President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere followed the advice of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in his decision to suspend Pryde, which was executed in accordance with the Constitution.
Mr. Seruiratu has criticized the recent public meeting among the trio, suggesting that if similar standards are to be upheld, authorities should consider whether suspensions or a tribunal are necessary for Ms. Malimali, Mr. Rabuku, and Mr. Turaga. He emphasized the importance of public perception regarding impartiality, especially in light of ongoing investigations involving high-ranking officials. He pointed out that Rabuku’s association with Malimali could potentially compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed these concerns, remarking on the nature of the interactions between the officials at the event and questioning whether the JSC and DPP would take action regarding this matter. Chaudhry noted that DPP Tikoisuva possesses the constitutional authority to enact disciplinary measures against any officer in the DPP’s office.
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the JSC Chair, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, were contacted for comment, but no response was received prior to publication. A spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Office provided context regarding the high-level delegation visit from Japan but did not address specific inquiries. They noted that the delegation, led by Takeshi Seto, is on a weeklong mission to enhance the relationship between Fiji and Japan in the law and justice sector.